Just my thoughts on all things Soccer.
"I guess I've never viewed soccer as some sort of controlled substance. To me, it's probably more like Nutella. The rest of the world clearly loves it and puts it on almost everything, but here in America we're like, "I don't know, man, it tastes like almonds."

Thursday, March 30, 2006

Dynamo's ticket problem

With just a few days to go, the front office has only sold 2,000 season tickets for the 2006 campaign. In addition, the total number of tickets sold for Sunday's game is "in the low teens."

The number is worrisome for a couple reasons. First, Robertson Stadium holds 32,000 people, so with only 14,000 or so seats in use, it will look and feel a bit empty. Second, the first game of the season is often one of the best games as far as attendance goes. If you don't have a good number on opening day, then you will probably have a difficult season ahead.

However, things are not all that bleak. When the team was in San Jose last year, they only had 1,000 more season ticket holders. Yes, 1,000 is a big number, but with the quick move and name change, getting 2/3rds the number of a 10-year established team is not bad.

As far as Sunday is concerned, Dynamo president Oliver Luck is aiming for approximately 20,000 fans. That is a lot of ground to make up in three days. If they can get close to that number, it will speak very well for the organization. However, with their roots in town being so fresh, I think 16,000 is much more realistic.

The good news is they will have their uniform unveiling today at 6pm. This should generate some press and maybe up those numbers a bit.

The Hispanic walk-up crowd will hopefully provide a pleasant surprise.

Can't say I'm surprised with the low season ticket numbers considering they've had barely 14 weeks to get things done. If the team is strong out of the gate, look for numbers to pick up as the season moves along.

John, I actually wonder if that might have helped them with their ticket sales. I mean, the whole name thing at least got them mentioned in the press and I don't think it caused that many fans to say 'screw this.' But who knows.

Hay Fish, hopefully a good walk-up crowd will happen. I agree with your take on the season ticket numbers. Three months is nowhere near enough time to get the public pumped for a MLS squad. Luckily for them they have a goes squad, which might just build their numbers as the season goes on.